NASCAR Driver Slapped With Suspension After Crash Left Rival Briefly Hospitalized

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Conner Jones has been served a one-race suspension following a serious incident at the Baptist Health 200, hosted at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The driver’s actions during the race led to a collision with fellow competitor Matt Mills, resulting in Mills requiring brief hospitalization.

The driver from Fredericksburg, Virginia, found himself at the center of controversy after intentionally steering his truck into Mills’ vehicle during the race. The incident unfolded on Lap 76, as Mills’ truck was sent careening into the Turn 4 wall, subsequently catching fire. The dramatic crash resulted in Mills being hospitalized for two days due to smoke inhalation. He has since been released.

NASCAR officials suspended Jones for violating Sections 4.3.A and 4.4.B of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rule book, which outline the conduct expected from its members. These rules ensure a competitive, yet safe and sportsmanlike, environment within NASCAR events. The suspension bars Jones from participating in the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200 at Martinsville Speedway. Johnny Sauter will step in to fill the vacancy by driving the No. 66 ThorSport Racing Ford F-150.

Shortly after the incident, Jones shared a public apology to social media, stating:

“I have not yet had the chance to personally apologize to Matt for the incident that took place during today’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but I intend to do so.

“Matt and I have encountered several on-track incidents this season, and I let my frustration get the best of me. I underestimated the impact my actions would have on Matt, and I deeply regret the consequences that followed.

“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to Matt, Niece Motorsports, NASCAR, and my entire ThorSport Racing team for my unsportsmanlike behavior. My thoughts are with Matt during this time after hearing that he been taken to the hospital for further evaluation following the contact on the racetrack.”

Mills also shared an update to social media on Monday after he was discharged from the hospital. He explained, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:

“Glad to be out of the hospital. Still a little raspy, as you can hear, but just, all the overwhelming support, and text messages that I’ve got just mean so much to me. I definitely didn’t like being in the hospital for as long as I was or being in that situation. Having you guys there to support me and help me get through that, just I can’t thank you all enough.”